Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually absent.

Description

The typical Gymnocalycium anisitsiiSN|18651]]SN|13315]] subs. damsii is an easy to grow and very free-flowering cactus, spherical-depressed to short cylindrical, up to 10 cm tall, 8-15 cm in diameter, green, pale-green or brownish-green, and highly decorative, often with horizontal clear and dark strips.

Note

Seems to be a pretty variable plant you might get some other names which are effectively the same plant.... and also not sure all plants identified as this are really this.

Flowers

From the centre, narrow, funnelform, about 6 cm long. External tepals greenish whit reddish margins, internal tepals white to light pinkish or greenish spreading. Scales on the ovary and flower tube small, scattered.

Blooming Season

It produces flowers almost continuously during the year.

Crested Growth

The crested form Gymnocalycium anisitsii subs. damsii f. cristatumSN|13315]]SN|18651]], only deviate from the standard species for the stem which is fan shaped up to 30 cm (or more) long with age. It is quite variable in colour and shape and different clones are available. In full sun or under stress conditions the plants tend to take a brownish-red tinge.

Ribs

About 10-11, broad to acute, and more or less notched into chin-shape protrusions or warts.

Radial Spines

5-8 up to 12 mm (or more) long, straight or slightly tortuous, short, nearly useless in terms of defence. Young spine are pastel-white or yellowish with a darker tip, later become pale-grey.

Fruits

Oblong, 2,5 cm long, 6 mm in diameter, reddish at maturity.